Steam heating system



- "smtm HEATING SYSTEM Original Filed Feb. 1. 1950 2 Sheets-Shet 1 I Feb. 26, 1935.

G.. STARR STEAM HEATING SYSTEM Original Filed Feb. 1, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 x v m- H w r g (1 Patented Feb. 26, 1935 UNITED s'rArEs STEAM HEATING SYSTEM Grove Starr, Pennhurst, Pa.

Application February '1, 1930, Serial No.

- Renewed August 11, 1934:

/ 18 Claims.

This invention relates tem and its control. V

It is primarily an object of the invention to provide a steam heatingsystem which will furto 'a steam heating sysnish a substantially constant temperature to a room or rooms by means of regulated intermittent impulses of steam from a constant pressure source into a conventional. system of radiators:- These regulated intermittent impulses are governed by m means of a mechanism operation depends upon the heating effect of the condensate from one or more pilot radiators or condensing devices to which is added the additional eiiect of steam bled from each impulse of the regulated steam supply which feeds the conventionalradiators. The timing of the impulses of regulated steam to the conventional radiators may be determined by the length of time it takes the steam, bled from each impulse, to reach the regulating mechanism. This timing can be suitably adjusted by inserting between the regulating mechanism and the source of the impulses of regulated steam a second condensing device such as a radiator fed through an adjustable valve, or even a suitable pipe fed through a needle valve or orifice plate.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a system of this kind wherein an outstanding advantage is that each impulse of steam is supplied to the conventional system of radiators under considerable pressure so that these radiators are supplied with steam quite rapidly. In this way steam is supplied to the most remote radiators substantially as soon as it is supplied to the radiators near to the source of supply, thus tending to give a very uniform temperature to the space to be heated.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a system of this kind presenting the outstanding advantage that it permits steam to be condensed in the conventional radiators to a pressure lower than atmospheric. or even lower than the pressure in the return line. This materially increases the thermal efficiency of the steam heating system by giving a condensate at a relatively low temperature. The partial vacuum obtained in the conventionalradiators between impulses of steam also aids the rapid introduction of steam in the next impulse.

A further object of the invention is to provide a system of this kind embodying a plurality of radiators, one of which constitutes a pilot radiator automatically controlling means for regulating the admission of steam to the remaining radiators.

system constructed in accordance Another object of the invention is to provide a system of this kind wherein the delivery of steam through. the feed line is under control of a thermostatically operated valve, together with means whereby the operation or" the thermostat is under control of the varying temperature of the condensate from a pilot radiator interposed in the system, the temperature of the condensate from the pilot radiator beingvariable in accordance with the variations in temperature of the outside air surrounding the pilot radiator.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a system of this kind wherein a control valve within the feed pipe for the system is operated by a thermostat under control of the temperatore changesof the condensate from a pilotradi ater, together with means for reheating the condensate to function the thermostat to' close the valve before overshooting of the admission of steam within the system. 5 20 A still further object of the invention is to provide a system of this kind having interposed therein thermostatically operating means for constantly impulsing 'the steam into the system when required, the vacuums occurring between impulses facilitating the liberation of the heat.

The invention consists in the details-of constructlon and inthe combination and arrangement ofthe several parts of my improved system whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and ad vantageous for use, as will be hereinaftermore fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention will "-hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention maybe the better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanyingfdrawings, wherein:---

Figure 1 is a view in elevation andof a diagrammatic character illustrating an apparatus'or with an embodiment of my invention; i I Figure 2 isa view partly insectionand partly in elevation illustrating the thermal control valve herein employed;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic View illustrating another embodiment of my apparatus or system;

Figures: is a diagrammatic View of a still further embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment of my invention as particularly illustrated in Figure 1 is disclosed an apparatus or system particularly intended for use in connection with the steam heating of a building and while I illustrate but one of my controlling devices, it is to be understood that as many may be employed and so located as the requirements of practice may necessitate.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawings, 1 denotes a steam line leading from a suitable source of supply and which has interposed therein at a desired location a main supply valve 2 of any preferred construction. The line 1 also has interposed therein and inwardly of the valve 2 a conventional steam strainer 3. A distribution line 4 is mounted and located as desired and is adapted for communication in a well known way with the conventional radiators, such radiators to be positioned of course in accordance with the necessities of practice to assure the proper heating of the building. 7

As these regular radiators and their connections in themselves form no part of the present invention a detailed description and illustration thereof is not believed necessary as this will be readily understood by those persons familiar with steam heating practice.

It is also to be understood that a return line 5 is employed and with which the line 1 in advance of the valve 2 communicates through the medium of the line 6 in which is interposed a condensate trap '7. This is also well known in steam heating equipment.

The line 1 beyond the strainer 3 has in communication therewith a line 8 leading to a hot water generator or heater as is the general custom, thus using part of the steam to heat water for general purposes in and about the building. This, however, is no part of the invention but shows that steam for any other purpose must be secured from the pressure side. A connection from line 8 through valve 11 forms a bypass to the heating system. In advance of the first communication between the lines 1 and 8 and interposed in the line 1 and coacting in a well known manner with the line 8, is a reducing valve 9, said valve being provided to assure constant pressure into a pilot radiator 16.

It is also to be understood that the line 8 has a second communication, as at 10, with the line 1 and which communication is normally closed by as a valve of this type is also well known to those engaged in steam heating work.

In addition to the regular radiators my improved system has interposed therein a pilot radiator 16 and a compensating radiator 1'7. The pilot radiator 16 has in communication therewith a pipe line 18 leading from the line 1 at a point between the reducing valve 9 and the valve 12, thus assuring delivery of steam under constant pressure into the pilot radiator 16.. The line 18 has interposed therein a limiting valve 19 or its equivalent of any desired construction whereby the flow. of steam through the line 18 from the line 1 can be fixed and maintained as required.

Leading from the pilot radiator 16 is a return pipe line 20 continued by a pipe line 21. This pipe line 21 is in communication with an end portion of a casing or shell 22 which provides a pocket for a thermostatic element 23. The casing or shell 22 also has associated therewith a thermometer 24. The thermostatic element 23 is in operative connection, as at 25, with the valve 15 so that upon expansion of the thermostat 23 the valve 15 will be correspondingly closed and vice versa.

In this embodiment of my invention the thermostatic element 23 constitutes a bulb containing a suitable volatile liquid which is also contained within a suitably directed tubular member. This member is in communication with a bellows 26 which, upon expansion or contraction of the liquid, results in the desired operations of the valve 15.

While this valve 15 is illustrated in detail in Figure 2 of the drawings, 1 wish to again state that I am not the inventor of this particular valve and, therefore, do not make any claim as to its specific or particular construction. It is also to be understood that it is possible to employ other mechanisms for operating the valve 15 in lieu of this particular arrangement and, therefore, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to any special form of valve.

The distributing line 4 has leading therefrom a pipe line 27 which is in communication with the compensating radiator 17 and interposed in this line 27 is a valve 28 of any desired type which limits the flow of steam into the compensating radiator 1'7 for a purpose to be hereinafter particularly mentioned. The radiator 17 also has a return line 20' leading therefrom to the pipe 21.

Leading from the casing or shell 22 is a pipe line 29 in communication with a condensate trap 30 which discharges through the return riser 31 in communication with the main return pipe 5. The trap 30 operates to relieve the condensate occurring within the line 29 without reducing the pressure therein.

The line 27 has leading therefrom a pipe line 32 in communication with a condensate trap 33 also discharging in the return riser 31, said trap 33 serving to relieve condensation occurring within the pipe line 32 or within the portion of the pipe line 27 between the valve 28 and the communication between said pipe line 27 and radiator 17.

It is to be noted that the pipe line 29 extends into the casing or shell 22 and terminates a desired distance above its bottom to retain within the casing or shell 22 a certain amount otwater of condensation, and the amount so held within the casing or shell 22 may be varied or regulated by raising or lowering the receiving end of the pipe line 29 within said casing or shell 22.

Leading from the pipe line 18 is a pipe line 34 which delivers to a condensate trap 35, said trap discharging in the return riser 31. This trap 35 operates to relieve condensation occurring in the line 18 beyond the limiting valve 19, yet maintaining the pressure within such portion of the line 18.

The bypass valve 11 is normally closed and the valves 12 and 14 normally open. When the main supply valve 2 is opened the steam will pass through the pipe line 1 and the distributor pipe line 4 to properly fill the regular radiators and at the same time steam will pass through the pipeline 18 and beyond the properly set valve 19 to the pilot radiator 16, at the same time the steam will be passing through the pipe line 2'7 to the compensating radiator 17.

With the temperature surrounding the pilot meaasie 4B rradiator 1.16 :above the desired predetermined -=a;utcmaticipressure"reducing '.va1 e:9 HAiportion temperature of Ithe buildingpthe condensate"'ociof'the steam is thenled tothe pilot radiator lfi curring within said pilot radiator will be delivered through the pipe 18 in Which -is: inserted-the ad- 'thmughivthe a d v21 130 e Casing J'ustable valve-19. :The condensate from'this pi- 5sshellir2'2 and'isaidicondensate'withinithecasing I1ot'radiatorflows throughgpipes 20 and 21 to a. or shell being of atemperaturehigher' than'that thermostat of a conventional #desigmand escapes z'atwhich the thermostat 23 operates to open the through'pipe 29 and the'trap 30 to the return-line valve 15,:and will: hold such valve15 closed until "31. The "thermostat I is of the expanding "fluid the: temperature of the air surroundingthe pilot type, and is so arranged that the expansion and rloaradiator 16 drops to suchan extent that the contractions of the'fiui'd closesandopens theconil pi1ot radiator 16'will deliver condensate'to'the trol valve lwhichis of the all von or allsofi acasing or she1l'22-of'a temperature below the type (see'Fig. 2). -Ordinarily the temperature of "pointthat the thermostat functions to openthe 'thecondensatefromthe pilot radiator-'16 is insufva1vei'1'5. Upon opening of the valve steam ficient'toicloseithe control valve 15. Steam at I15 will -be deliveredto the regular radiators'ofthe constant pressurethercforeflows through pipe4 T15 n-system and' through thepipe vline-2'7'to the com- "to the conventional. system of "radiators an da --pensating:.radiator I'Z'and throughsaidmadiator little is bled off through pipe/27 to the com- 17 and the pipe lines 20 and 21 to the casing or pensating device which, in thisfigureyis made up shell 22, thus'eifectinga'reheating of the-con- 'of'the valve-'28 andthe'radiator l7. :Whenthis '20 densate within:the casing or shell 22v from the 'steam'reachespipe 20 it flows throughiacheck .20 pilot radiator 16.-Band, of course, at the same valve (not shown) intoJpipe 21, and from thereto timerreheatsthethermostat 23. This results in the jacket of the thermostat 22 i'along 'withlthe :zthe required functioning of the thermostat to "condensate from the pilot radiator 16. This again close the valve '15. By predetermined steam reheats the condensate and thermostat; 6'25 setting-of thevalve 28 proper timing will be obthe fluid inthethermostat'becomes' greatly'extained .for the closing of the valve 15 to assure pandedand closes the control va1ve15, thus shut- :the {proper compensation'of the thermostat 23. ting off steam from the conventional-system of :The casingor shell 22 hasassociated'therewith "radiators. The temperatureof the thermostat a thermometer 24 which'is'used to facilitate the then tends'to'fall to the temperature of the con- 530 settingof the valvel9. To make an efficient pilot densate from the pilot: radiator. The time reai radiatorlB-thatwill satisfactorily deliver'conquired' forthetemperature.to fall' sufiiciently to den'sateof varying te'mperaturesas eiTected by open the control valve 15'will depend upon? the the temperature of the air coming in contactrateof condensation in'the pilot-radiator 16. But *Withthe radiator 16, the supply of steam must be this rate of condensationwill depend upon the 35 fixed and: maintained so that the pilot radiator temperature of the air surrounding the pilotradi- 3.3 16 will-deliver condensate-at the temperature at ator. In this way the time. interval between sucwhich the thermostat functions to close the valve cessive impulses of steam into the conventional 15-whenthe temperature of i the air coming into system of'radiators depends upon the temperature -contact with't-he pilot radiator '16 or any part of the air'incontactwith the pilot radiator. 0b- 40 -thereof is at: apredetermined degree. This temviously there may be-several-pilot radiators conx40 perature of the condensate withinthe casing or nected in'parallelas shown by'the-radiatorslfi shell :22canbe readily determinedby'the-readand 36 inFigure 1, and 16 and I'IinFigure 3, or -ings of thethermometer24. .The readings of the there may be severalpilot radiators connected in thermometer 24-also facilitate the initial-setting series, :and thesemay be situated in "anysuitable 0f the valve15 and more especially its associated ocat on in the Space whose tempe atures sto 45 i ht-and spring. I be regulated. For instance they may be at op- When the outside temperatureis abnormally *posite' ends of thesamehallwamor on separate lo .it :is -ofttimes of advantage to provide .fioors. Aivery small one may even beiplaced outmeans to raise the inside temperature above doors in order to help compensate for large its. regular degree. I- find that this canbe readily a s in Ou d o emp rature. V

accomplished by placing a small-radiating unit 36 Obviously, the pilot radiator couldbe omitted in the-outside atmosphere, said unit being arwithout seriously impairing the constancy of temranged through the medium of the. pipe line 37 D e 0f heated room T001115, if only the "inparallel with the pilot radiator 16. outdoor temperature "remains nearly constant. 55 My improved system as hereinbefore described In sucha case I retain the efiiciency. of condensing =55 .-also establishes agoverned impulse method of to a pressure lower than that of the return line, flow forthe steam or may be further defined as but-Hose the property of maintaining-a constant I affording a regulated impulse method. It is betemperature when the outdoor temperature lie'vedto be'appare'ntfromthe foregoing that changes. a p I *thecontrol of the flow of the steam is intermit- In-theembodiment of the invention as illus- 'J'oo tent. This is of decided advantage as the vacu- -trated in Figure 3,I employ amultiplepoint conums created between impulses serve tomaterially ltrol or, that is to say, the action of the valve-1'5 facilitate the extraction of heat. This admis- .is-under control ofany one of a' number of pilot 'sion of the steam intothe system in impulsesis radiators; -In this embodiment the pilot'radia- 05 "also of decided advantage in aiding the required tors l6--and 17'- are arranged upon difie e t flo s "circulation of steam through the system and this although it is to be understood that they can-be "is-equally true even under high vacuum as during otherwise arranged in spaced or separated relathe "admission period the steam moves rapidly. tion as conditionsmay demand.

'In view of the foregoing it is believed that the Each of these radiators 16' and 17" operates to "operation oithe invention is clearly understood produce the same results as obtained by the pilot (to but it may be again set forth that the steam enters radiator 16 and the compensating radiator 17. re-

the heating and temperature regulating system by ferred to in the first embodiment of my invention. aneans'of the pipe 1 shown in the lower-right hand The radiators 16' and 17 are coupled in parallel :cornerofFigure 1 of the drawingsyand is brought with the risers'38 and 39 leading from the. main toa' definite constant. pressure by the conventional i distributing line 4' with the (valve 15". inter-posed in;

in the line 4 at a point between the points of communication of the risers 38 and 39 with said line. The riser 38 has interposed therein the main limiting valve 40 and the riser 39 has interposed therein the secondary limiting valve 41, the valve 40,being the equivalent of the valve 19 shown in the first form of my invention while the valve 41 is the equivalent of the valve 28 shown in this former arrangement.

In communication with both of the radiators l6 and 17 is a vertically disposed pipe line 42 which discharges at its lower end within the casing or shell 43. This casing or shell 43 provides a pocket for the thermostatic element 23' coacting with the valve 15' in the same manner and for the same purpose as hereinbefore set forthwith respect to thethermostatic element 23 and valve 15 comprised in the first embodiment of my invention.

' The distributing line 4 also has interposed therein a reducer valve 9 to assure even pressure of steam entering the pilot radiators 16 and 1'7.

The variations in the temperature of the condensate delivered within the casing or shell 43 from either or both of the pilot radiators 16 and 17' will result in the requisite functioning of the thermostat 23 to obtain the desired operation of the valve 15 after the manner hereinbefore described and illustrated in connection with the first embodiment of the invention. With the valve 15 open steam will pass through the line 39 and beyond the properly set valve 41 into either of the two radiators 16 and 17 and pass therethrough and into the casing or shell 43 to reheat the condensate therein for the same purpose as hereinbefore explained with respect to the corn pensating radiator 1'7.

It is to be stated at this time that the riser 39 can be dispensed with although when this line is omitted it is to be understood that the closing of the valve 15 will be dependent wholly upon the temperature of the air surrounding either or both of the pilot radiators 16 and 1'7. With the temperature of the air surrounding the pilot radiators 16 and 1'7 above the predetermined air te1nperature the condensate within the casing or shell 43 will be of a temperature to cause the thermostat 23 to function to close the valve 15' and maintain the same closed. As this air temperature drops below the predetermined air temperature, the condensate will of course fall to the temperature causing the thermostat 23 to function in a manner to open the valve 15.

i In the embodiment of my invention as illus trated in Figure 4, the pilot radiator 16 has its opposite end portions connected by the risers 38 and 39 with the distributor pipe line 4 and interposed in the riser 38 is the main limiting valve 44 and in the riser 39' is a secondary limiting valve 45. The automaticall; operated valve 15 is interposed in the main distributor line 4 between the points of communication of the risers 38 and 39'. The riser 38' has interposed therein a reducer valve 46 to maintain even pressure of steam entering the pilot radiator 16 through the riser 38'. Extending within the pilot radiator 16 is a thermostatic element 23 operatively connected,

23 for the samepurposes as hereinbeforeexplained with respect to the compensating radiator 17.

While hereinbefore describing the various embodiments of my invention I have particularly it is not the exhaust steam from a radiator thatactuates the device but steam bled from the steam supply to the radiators that effects the thermostat to actuate the device. The self-created partial vacuum periods occurring between impulses are of particular importance in View of the fact that economical operation of the system is assured since the higher vacuum thus obtained permits the transmission of a greater portion of the heat units in the steam to the air surrounding the radiators than can be obtained with the radiators under pressure. These vacuum periods are sustained by a check valve in the return line leading from the regular radiators until the next impulse occurs. v

It is believed to be apparent from the foregoing that the control of the how of the steam is intermittent and gauged by the resultant of the previous impulse thereby establishing an impulse method of flow of the steam. This is of decided advantage over the constant admission of steam to a heating system as it is possible to circulate steam through a system under high vacuum. In other words, my improved system establishes a governed impulse method of flow or may be further defined as a regulated impulse method of flow of the steam.

By use of the pilot radiator as embodied in the several embodiments of my invention as herein disclosed it is believed to be clearly understood that such radiator extends within the area of heat loss or the coldest strata of atmosphere within the building area.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that steam heating system constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reasonof the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, andit will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do notwish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention .in

device actuated by the temperature of the exhaust steam from one of the plurality oi radiators for giving the system an intermittent supply of steam.

. 2. A steam heating system which consistsfof a combination ofa plurality of radiatorsand a device governed by the temperature or the con-.

densate from a pilot radiator for giving the radiators an intermittent supply of steam;

3. A steam heating system which consistsof a combination of a plurality of radiators'and a device for giving theseradiators an intermittentsupply of steam; said device being governed by the temperature or" the condensate from a pilot radiator fed with steam from a substantially constant pressure source.

4. A steam heating system which consists of a combination of a plurality of radiators and a device for giving these radiators an intermittent supply of steam; said device being governed by the temperature of the condensate from a pilot radiator red with steam whose pressure is substantially constant.

5. A steam heating system which consists of a combination of a plurality of radiators and a device for giving these radiators an intermittent supply of steam; said device being governed by the temperature of the condensate from a pilot radiator fed with steam whose pressure is substantially constant, and by the temperature of the exhaust steam from a second condensing device fed from the steam pipes which feed one of the plurality of radiators.

6. A steam heating system which consists of a combination of a plurality of radiators and a thermostatic device capable of turning the steam on and 01? from saidradiators; said device being governed by the temperature of the condensate from a pilot radiator which is fed with steam the pressure of which is substantially constant, and by the temperature of the exhaust steam from a second condensing device which is fed from the same steam pipes which feed one of the plurality of radiators.

7. A steam heating system which consists of a combination of a plurality of radiators and a means for turning the steam off and on for the same; said means consisting of (a) a means for condensing steam from a substantially constant pressure source,

(b) a means for bleeding steam from the intermittent supply of the above mentioned radiators, into a second condensing device,

a thermostat connected to a valve which is capable of turning the steam on and shutting it off from the conventional radiators; the valve being turned on when the temperature falls below a predetermined value determined by the condensate from (a), and being turned off when the temperature exceeds a predetermined value determined by the exhaust steam from (b).

8. In a steam heating system, a plurality of radiators, one of which constitutes a pilot radiator, a steam line for the radiators, a valve for opening and closing the flow through the steam line to all the radiators except the pilot radiator, and a thermostat operating upon the variation in temperatures of the condensate from the pilot radiator to open or close the valve.

9. In a steam heating system including a steam line, a valve in said line and a thermostat for operating the valve, a pilot radiator, means for supplying said pilot radiator with a fixed limited amount of steam, said steam condensing as a re- 10. A steam heating system which consists of a combination of a plurality of radiators and a device actuated by the temperature of steam bled from the steam supply to the radiators for giving these radiators an intermittent supply of steam.

11. A steam heating system which consists of a combination of a plurality of radiators and a device governed by thetemperature of the condensate from a pilot radiator and by the temperature of steam bled from the steam supply to the radiators for giving these radiators an intermittent supply of steam.

12. A steam heating system which consists of a combination of a plurality of radiators and. a device for giving these radiators an intermittent supply of steam, said device being governed by the temperature of the condensate from a pilot radiator fed with steam from an irregular pressure source Whose average pressure is substantially constant.

13. A steam heating system consisting of a combination of a plurality of radiators and a device for giving these radiators an intermittent supply of steam, said device being actuated by the temperature of steam bled from the supply to the radiators and governed by the temperature of the condensate from a pilot radiator fed with steam from a substantially constant pressure source.

14. A steam heating system consisting of a combination of a plurality of radiators and a thermostatic device for controlling the supply of steam to the radiators, the said thermostatic device being directly influenced by the temperature of steam bled from the steam supply to the radiators.

15. A steam heating system consisting of a combination of a plurality of radiators and a thermostatic device for controlling the supply of steam to the radiators, the thermostat of the said thermostatic device used to control the temperature of the air in the area being heated being directly effected by the temperature of steam from the same pipe which feeds the radiators.

16. A steam heating system consisting of a combination of a plurality of radiators, a supply valve operated by the action of a thermostat, means for effecting the thermostat from the changes of the temperature of the condensate from a pilot radiator, and means for effecting the thermostat by reheatingsuch condensate.

17. A steam heating system which consists of a combination 01" a plurality of radiators and a device for giving these radiators an intermittent supply of steam; clevicebeing governed by the temperature of the condensate from a pilot radiator fed with steam Whose pressure is substantially constant and by the temperature of the exhaust steam from a condensing device fed from the steam pipes which feed the radiators.

18. A steam heating system which consists of a combination of a plurality of radiators and a thermostatic device capable of turning the steam on and off from said radiators; said device being governed by the temperature of the condensate from a pilot radiator which is fed with steam the pressure of which is substantially constant and by the temperature of the exhaust steam from a second device which is fed from the same steam pipes which feed the radiators.

GROVE STARR. 

